Annual Reports

During 2017/18, the Boys and Girls Club of Peel continued to provide children and youth programming for 800children and youth through-out the Region of Peel.

An additional 504 individuals were supported through the annual Holiday Hamper program. Many thanks to the organizations, businesses, schools and individuals who adopted families, organized toy drives and food drives, donated Christmas trees and provided gift cards. Thank you to the volunteers who assisted in unloading and sorting toys and deliveries.

RECREATION AND HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

Healthy active living was promoted in 13 locations including schools, Peel Living community rooms and community centres. After school and summer activities focused on healthy active living, education and personal development.

Children and youth were provided with healthy snacks including fresh fruit and vegetables and were educated regarding the benefits of healthy food choices.

BGCP was fortunate to return to Bolton providing after school programs 3 days per week. Many thanks to the Town of Caledon, PDSB and DPCDSB for the warm welcome.

Through the support of Canadian Tire JumpStart, children and youth participated in soccer, basketball, swimming and other games and sports that encouraged physical fitness. Many thanks to Cobra Swim Club for providing swimming lessons to our program members during the summer months.

Through the support of the Jays Care Foundation, Baseball Ontario and Tennis Canada, many of our youth leaders received training to teach our children and youth basic skills in sports. Donated equipment allowed members to practice their skills. Members also had the opportunity to attend a Blue Jays game and the Rogers Cup Tennis Tournament.

EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT

In supporting children to succeed in school, the Boys and Girls Club of Peel provided students with access to computers, homework sheets, books and school supplies. Staff and volunteers worked with the children to assist them in learning.

In 2017, BGCP partnered with the Navacup golf tournament which raises funds to purchase laptops for deserving students. A total of 2 youth members earned laptops by participating in an essay writing competition.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND YOUTH EMPLOYMENT

Leadership development is an integral component of the Boys and Girls Club of Peel in building the leaders of the future. The program supports children and youth to see their potential, set goals and achieve them. Several initiatives supported youth leadership including:

· Youth on a Roll Youth continued in 2017. Youth also attended Life skills workshops on a bi weekly basis.

· Summer Youth Leadership - In partnership with the City of Brampton and the support of Canadian Tire JumpStart, the program focused on physical activity and healthy choices while building leadership skills.

· 8 youth travelled to Ottawa to participate in the Youth in Office where they had the opportunity to be mentored by Members of Parliament.

SUPPORTING FAMILIES & COMMUNITIES

The Boys and Girls Club of Peel continued to support families in the McMurchy neighbourhood. The parent committees meet monthly to plan activities specific to their communities needs. Planned activities have include parent meetups in collaboration with the Family Education Centre, social gatherings, and family events. Highlights have included holiday parties, Easter hunts, Mother’s day events and physical fitness activities. Families also participated in community clean ups, planting days and neighbourhood BBQ’s. We would like to recognize the invaluable contributions of our volunteers including parents and partners.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Through the generous support of Microsoft Canada and Boys and Girls Club of Canada, the Boys and Girls Club of Peel was able to provide Diversity and Inclusion programs and events. This included Cultural sensitivity training for staff, volunteers and community members, an Indigenous Education event and Black History month event. Many thanks to our partners that made these events possible especially McLean Consulting, Peel Aboriginal Network, Stephen Adekolu and Dr. Beverly-Jean Daniel.

We would like to thank our community partners who have collaborated with the Boys and Girls Club of Peel to support children, youth and families in Peel.